Function Junction:Behavior Matters

Jackie Marushka is the founder of Marushka Media, a boutique PR and Branding agency, who speaks so kindly that you can't help but want to spend more time with her.  It doesn't take long to realize she is a woman on a mission to make things happen and help others.  She is a trail blazer in her field, but also knows a lot about behavior change.  Cissy and Susan hope you enjoy this conversation as much as they did. Stay for the question at the end of the podcast and come back next week to hear the rest of their talk.

Dr. Chrystina Dolyniuk is a professor at Rider University.  She works with individuals with autism and teaches others how to work with individuals with autism.  She has provided training to Ukraine in a way that most Americans cannot.  Dr. Dolyniuk speaks Ukrainian.  She learned the language from her grandparents.  When she presented to the families, therapists, and teachers there, they did not have to have her words translated.   She is connected through history to the people we see on the news each day fighting for their country.  She has an article published on spectrumnews.org titled "My hope for Ukrainians with autism".  It is a moving article that also partially prompted the Facebook page "Americans Supporting Ukrainians with Autism".  We were honored to have this conversation and were inspired by her words.  Have a listen.  Check out her article.  Use the Facebook page to find reputable ways to help individuals with autism in Ukraine.

Have a listen to Part 2 of a great conversation with Jen Stegall.  Jen is a singer, songwriter, and music producer who speaks eloquently about autism and the impact it has had on her family.  Talking about her son, she will give you food for thought about how we speak of and how we intervene with individuals on the spectrum.  We end the episode with a question as usual.

Parents are such a good resource for learning about autism or other disabilities.  Jen Stegall is definitely one of those and a pleasure to talk with.  She presents information in such a calm and complete way that listeners are bound to learn new things.  She knew very early that something was different and that she needed to pursue intervention.  This is part one with this great mother talking about her son. Stay for the question and come back next week to hear more.

Join Susan and Cissy for the second part of their  conversation with Sunny Braun.  Sunny explains Rett Syndrome so clearly and with great passion.  The hosts learned new things and we hope you do too.  Visit www.reverserett.org to learn more and to see the work that Rett Syndrome Research Trust is doing to find a cure. As usual, there will be a question at the end of this podcast.  Thank you for listening.

Sunny Braun talks with Susan and Cissy about Rett Syndrome.  Sunny is a wealth of knowledge on the topic.  Her daughter, Kelsey, has Rett Syndrome and is the catalyst for her knowledge.  You will learn amazing things about this disorder and be inspired to always investigate solutions.  At this time there is no cure, but scientists are working.  You can find ways to help at www.reversrett.org.  Have a go at the question at the end of the podcast before you check out the website for Rett Syndrome Research Trust.

Susan and Cissy talk about a student with whom they have both worked.  The student had a significant change in behavior so the school was looking for a way to move things in a positive direction.  Cissy worked with the classroom and Susan worked with the family to come up with plans to help this student get back on track.  The classroom staff were very supportive and made changes to assist him.  His family was very receptive to things that could happen at home to make a change.  Have a listen and please stay for the question at the end.

Join Susan and Cissy for the rest of the conversation with Jon Lu, Ellie Castillo, and Kelly Pillow.  These three work together to support staff and students daily.  They share inspiring information.  Stay for the question.

Susan and Cissy have a great conversation with Jon Lu, Ellie Castillo, and Kelly Pillow about how they work together to make a difference for the students and teachers they serve.  They are each inspiring on their own merits, but together they make magic.  Have a listen and be inspired.  Stay for the question.

Cissy discusses a rare occasion when her team had to go beyond positive behavior interventions and supports because none of them were working for "Joe."